Depigman

Depigman - General Information

Depigman is the monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone used medically for depigmentation. Depigman occurs as a white, almost tasteless crystalline powder, soluble in alcohol and practically insoluble in water.
The topical application of monobenzone in animals increases the excretion of melanin from the melanocytes. The same action is thought to be responsible for the depigmenting effect of the drug in humans. Depigman may cause destruction of melanocytes and permanent depigmentation.

Pharmacology of Depigman

Depigman is the monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone. Depigman, applied topically to the skin, is used as a depigmenting agent inhibitting melanin produced by polymerization of oxidation products of tyrosine and dihydroxyphenyl compounds. Depigman works by permanently removing color from normal skin located around skin with vitiligo.

Depigman for patients

Benoquin Cream 20% contains a potent depigmenting agent and is not a cosmetic skin bleach. Use of Benoquin Cream 20% is contraindicated in any conditions other than disseminated vitiligo. Use only for final depigmentation in extensive vitiligo. Areas of normal skin distant to the site of Benoquin Cream 20% application may become depigmented, and irregular, excessive, unsightly, and frequently permanent depigmentation may occur.

Depigman Interactions

Depigman Contraindications

Benoquin Cream 20% contains a potent depigmenting agent and is not a cosmetic skin bleach. Use of Benoquin Cream 20% is contraindicated in any conditions other than disseminated vitiligo. Benoquin Cream 20% frequently produces irreversible depigmentation, and it must not be used as a substitute for hydroquinone. Benoquin Cream 20% is also contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity or allergic reactions to this product, or any of its ingredients.

Additional information about Depigman

Depigman Indication: Used topically to treat the loss of skin color (vitiligo).
Mechanism Of Action: Depigman is a depigmenting agent whose mechanism of action is not fully understood. The topical application of monobenzone in animals, increases the excretion of melanin from the melanocytes. The same action is thought to be responsible for the depigmenting effect of the drug in humans. Depigman may cause destruction of melanocytes and permanent depigmentation. This effect is erratic and may take one to four months to occur while existing melanin is lost with normal sloughing of the stratum corneum. Hyperpigmented skin appears to fade more rapidly than does normal skin, and exposure to sunlight reduces the depigmenting effect of the drug. The histology of the skin after depigmentation with topical monobenzone is the same as that seen in vitiligo; the epidermis is normal except for the absence of identifiable melanocytes.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Monobenzone
Synonyms: Hydrochinon monobenzylether [Czech]; Hydroquinone benzyl ether; Hydroquinone monobenzyl ether; Benzyl p-hydroxyphenyl ether; Benzyl hydroquinone; Benzoquin; Monobenzona [INN-Spanish]; Monobenzone [INN]; Monobenzonum [INN-Latin]; Monobenzyl ether hydroquinone; Monobenzyl Ether of Hydroquinone; Monobenzyl hydroquinone; p-Hydroxyphenyl benzyl ether
Drug Category: Dermatologicals
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Monobenzone: AgeRite Alba; Agerite; Alba; Alba-Dome; Benoquin; Carmifal; Depigman; Dermochinona; Leucodinine; Monobenzon; Pigmex; Superlite;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Depigman: Cream Topical
Chemical IUPAC Name: 4-(phenylmethoxy)phenol
Chemical Formula: C13H12O2
Monobenzone on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monobenzone
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals